A Man for All Seasons: An Anthem
Author's Note: While watching that classic of classics, A Man for All Seasons, I was inspired to write words in tribute to St. Thomas More and all the Catholic Recusants to match the film’s the…
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American Patriotism: Loving Our Land as the Image of Christ
What does it mean to be an American patriot? Is it allegiance to the flag? Is it obedience to the government? Is it trust in the power of one’s military? What does being patriotic look…
As Lady Liberty
“Marilyn, we’re leaving!” my younger sister Katie called from the top of the stairs. “Almost ready!” I called back. I was sitting at my arts and crafts desk in the basement…
Squirrels and Schloss Itter: Assorted Trivia
Squirrels The word "squirrel" is from the early 14th century, from Anglo-French esquirel, Old French escurel (Modern French écureuil), from Vulgar Latin *scuriolus, diminutive of *scurius "squirrel," variant of Latin sciurus, from Greek skiouros "a…
The Ballad of the Crumbs
There once upon a legend livedA tiny grey-furred mouse,Who found it his sole want and goalTo flee from Human’s house. He’d high-cocked ears upon his head,A finely swishing tail,And the fastest legs e’re known to…
Footsteps of the Holy Family
Follow the Footsteps of the Holy FamilyThey will show the wayThrough the desert with Faith, Hope, and Love,Guided by an angel as they pray Treasured hearts of humilityHold the map to our heavey homeBeyond the…
The Violet Phantom and the Yellow Conquistador: Part 2
The HMS Warrior arrived in the port of Corunna, in north-western Spain, on June 6th, 1808. When it was finally tied down at the dock, a portly, well-dressed Spaniard approached the vessel and bellowed, “Hola,…
Strong John of Waterloo
Old tunes, joyful tunes, weaving through the night The rosy glow of faces beneath the candle light North winds, cruel winds, howling at the door The whirl of Yuletide dances across the wooden floor –…
Forgotten Connections and Divided Loyalties: The Story of General Thomas Gage and Margaret Kemble
In many traditional texts, the “redcoats” and “rebels” of the American Revolution are portrayed as having been generally disconnected from each other or otherwise connected by only the most unpleasant interaction. However, the colonial…
A Heart Set on Fire: Celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
This year, I was blessed to serve as a spiritual director on a pilgrimage to Lourdes and Fatima. During my first homily at mass after my return, when I first spoke the names of these…